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Future of Satellite Broadband Internet Services and
Comparison with Terrestrial Access Methods e.g.
DSL and Cable modem
M. Kaleem Iqbal *1, M. Bilal Iqbal *2, Shahana Shamoon *3, Mohsin Bhatti *4
*1, 3 Department of Telecommunication Engineering, UCET, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
*2 Department of Electrical Engineering, National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences, Pakistan.
*4 Department of Computer Engineering, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Pakistan.
1 kaleem.iqbal@iub.edu.pk
2 l070557@lhr.nu.edu.pk
3 shahana.shamoon@yahoo.com
4 mohsin.bhatti@bzu.edu.pk
Abstract—This paper represents the advancements in the area
of satellite broadband internet communication. Rapid growth of
internet services among the people of this modern era are
demanding the needs to use satellites for providing broadband
internet services at the door step for residential and commercial
uses. For providing cost effective internet access through satellite
there are lot of issues and so much work to be done. Rural areas
specially of Africa where there is no terrestrial internet services
available, this can provide with big achievements for improving
the life standards of poor people of Africa. Many services like E-
learning, E-commerce, Tele-health, entertainment, and other
telephony services can be provided to those rural areas of Africa.
This paper also represents the comparison between satellite
internet and other traditional internet service providing
technologies through terrestrial systems e.g DSL (Digital
subscriber line), Cable modems, WIFI, WIMAX.
Key words—Satellite Broadband internet services, terrestrial
internet systems, wireless broadband internet, DSL, Cable
modems, E-learning, E-commerce.
I. INTRODUCTION
Today the broadband network has a very great role in the
life of human beings because it provides a high speed internet
at the door step and many other services. Actually the main
reason is that how we can provide these services for rural and
remote areas. So by using the satellite we can provide these
facilities to the remote users like in South Africa. Since we
know that the access of internet enhances the quality of life
like health services, education and many other social works.
As the people in rural areas cannot move to cities due to long
distance, so they can run their own enterprise or business by
using the broadband network using satellite system [1]. The
impact of extension of broadband and NG services to the
remote and rural areas will create many opportunities for the
new business and it will somehow take some effect in the
progress of country and the living standard will also increase.
In 1993 the NASA launched a satellite named as Advanced
Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) for the purpose
of communication. In this Satellite two types of beams were
used and it was a TDMA system [2]. This system uses the Ka
band for the communication due to its higher frequency
ranges. Now the concern is about the future that everyone can
use the broadband network anytime and anywhere. So for this
purpose a lot of work is in the process by using satellite
communication [3]. A network will be established that the fast
and reliable internet should be provided to the remote users at
a very possible low cost. In this paper we will see that how
broadband service through satellite can be provided to
specially rural areas of Africa or any other part of the world.
We will see that what future advancements can be made for
improving the life standards of rural areas. In the last section
of the paper we will compare between satellite’s broadband
service with other terrestrial systems like DSL (Digital
subscriber line), Cable modem, and other wireless internet
systems like wifi, wimax [4].
Figure 1: Satellite broadband internet overview
II. CURRENT SERVICES W.R.T REGIONS
Now a day’s satellite internet services are using in many
developed countries. Now I will discuss some countries with
satellite internet services [5].
978-1-4673-5885-9/13/$31.00 © 2013 IEEE
A. America
According to Government of America those 19 millions
peoples in such areas where a wired internet network is
impossible. So include these peoples 119 million people in
America used the satellite internet with 15 Mbps speed with 4
Mbps downloading and 1 Mbps uploading speed [6].
B. Canada and United States
In this region a Galaxy named provider is supplying the
internet services for home and business for next 20 year, the
services depends on the location. Services provided by this
Galaxy Company vary with respect to location where a user
wants that. Galaxy provides services for enterprise and for
home as shown in below [7].
Figure 2: Satellite internet system of Galaxy
C. Europe
In this region the following services are provided: Fast web
downloads, email, FTP file transfer and audio video streaming
at very high speed. In this region Bentley Telecom give the
broadband satellite services and the coverage area is Europe,
North America, Middle East, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan,
Tajikistan, Kirgizstan, Western India and Turkmenistan.
Another company is Corp Skies; it provides VoIP and video
access [8].
D. India, Asia and Australia
In this region the service providers have different tariff at
various peak services and download quantities. Email and the
web browsing are mostly used while at will the uploading of
data and video or VoIP have higher charges and feasibility.
One such example is of Pactel which supplies the connectivity
across all the Asia and Asia pacific regions [9].
Figure 3: Pactel International an Australian company for
satellite internet
III. SERVICES FOR RURAL AREAS
Satellite Broadband internet technology can provide
following services for poor people of the rural areas of Africa
and other countries. In this way many improvements in the life
style of rural areas can be made [10] .This will also improve
the business opportunities these basic services include the
following.
A. Entertainment services.
By providing internet service through satellite will give
many new entertainment services for people of rural areas of
Africa, like IP TV and HD (High Definition) videos and
internet radio [11].
B. Online learning system.
With the implementation of satellite internet service we
can provide rich multimedia contents for the purpose of online
learning system for rural area people. Online lectures can be
given and people will become educated and can take part in
the progress of their country.
C. Security and monitoring system.
Many people now a days cannot afford to buy houses in
urban areas due to increased prices and over population
environment, so they try to make their houses in rural areas. If
satellite internet access would be given for rural areas then one
can monitor their houses and also they can install security
systems for their houses and they can monitor real time
activities even from anywhere in the world with the help of
CCTV cameras which can transmit activities through IP
networks [12].
D. Rural Teleworking Access
Those urban people who have migrated to rural areas or
even the local people of rural areas can work from their homes
for some companies. They can establish offices in their homes
and can connect with the Main office through internet service
provided through satellite.
E. Banking and E-Commerce.
People from rural areas not need to travel long distances
for going urban areas for shopping or banking. They can
online order their required things from internet electronically
and thing can be collectively shipped for them [13].
F. Telemedicine system
Expert doctors can be available for them from urban areas
through internet. Patients can be monitored and there
problems can be solved by using telemedicine. Sensors can be
used for continuous transmission of medical data from patients
with the help of internet.
Countries Forecast of Broadband Availability
Segment 2008 2014
UK, France, Belgium,
Denmark, Holland,
Austria, Sweden, Malta
Urban 98 % 99 %
Rural 92 % 96 %
Italy, Germany,
Finland, Ireland
Urban 97 % 98 %
Rural 62 % 79 %
Spain, Portugal,
Estonia, Cyprus
Urban 96 % 98 %
Rural 61 % 76 %
Czech Republic,
Hungary, Poland,
Greece, Latvia
Urban 94 % 96 %
Rural 15 % 35 %
Table 1: Broadband connectivity forecast, Europe [11]
IV. COMPARISON OF SATELLITE INTERNET AND
OTHER TECHNOLOGIES
Now a days demands for higher speeds and number of
users of internet are greatly increasing, to fulfill the demands
of people engineers decided to use Satellite as an alternate for
providing broadband services especially for rural areas.
Previously there were many terrestrial internet providing
technologies which are doing their work perfectly and with
good efficiency. But here we will see that which system would
be better among all the mentioned systems [14].
A. DSL (Digital subscriber line)
DSL is a wired transmission technology which works on
the copper wires that are already installed. It provides higher
speeds for internet. It has different flavors depending on types
and speeds. There are two main methods available. ADSL
(asynchronous DSL) and SDSL (synchronous DSL).For
business users or big organizations there are also available
HDSL (High data rate DSL) and VDSL (very high data rate
DSL) [15].
B. Cable Modem Internet
This is also a wired system in which the same Co-axial
wires are used for providing internet to home users. Cable
networks are used for watching TV purposes but it can also be
used at the same time for broadband internet at higher speeds.
C. Wireless Internet services
Broadband wireless internet services are also available in
various forms depending upon speeds and ranges. In wireless
internet systems we use frequencies ranging from 2-11 GHz.
Technology Bandwidth Latency QoS
DSL Up to 40
Mbps
60-70
ms
Distance
dependent,
more interference
Wireless
internet
Up to 1.5
Mbps
100-150
ms
High quality, low
cost & low range
Cable
modem
Up to 8
Mbps
46 ms High quality but
low speeds due to
many users
sharing a single
link
Satellite
internet
Up to 18
Mbps
638 ms High latency,
poor quality
useful for rural
areas
Optical fiber Up to 73.7
Tbit per sec
Less than
10 ms
Very high speed,
expensive
Table 2: Comparison of terrestrial technologies
The scope of broadband over a satellite is very huge
because it has a very high bandwidth capacity and has
portability. In rural areas the internet cable cannot be lay down
for several hundred kilo meters so in these areas the satellite
broadband have a great impact in the life of rural area peoples.
Since the capacity of an internet cable is not enough and many
re generators are require to strengthen the signal but in satellite
broadband the problems will be solved but the cost is more
[16]. Any how the satellite broadband has a very great impact
for those users which have no access of internet.
V. SATELLITE BASED INTERNET ARCHITECTURE
Systems, in orbit types (GSO, MEO, LEO), Consignment
alternative (OBP or bent pipe), and ISL Conceptions. There are
traces that aggregate satellite types (i.e., GSOs, MEOs, and
LEOs) be Admitted successful a hybrid GSO/NGSO network
to in full Employ the better features of apiece orbit type. A
satellite network could assist equally component of the Internet
anchor, a high-velocity approach network, or some. Employing
a satellite system as part of the Internet backbone has a
longsighted chronicle that goes back to the Atlantic SATNET
interlinking ARPANET with European research networks [17].
Nonetheless, the theme of employing satellites equally an
Answer of the last mile problem (i.e., connecting users to
network approach bespeaks), animated along the custom of
cost-efficient identical small-scale aperture terminals (VSAT)
and advances in satellite technologies, is comparatively fresh
[18]. A distinctive satellite-based Internet scenario with bent-
pipe satellites is portrayed in Figure. 4 below.
Figure 4: Bent Pipe Architecture
The satellite-based Internet carries many architectural
Choices referable the different designs of satellite the satellites
evolved could comprise GSO, MEO, or LEO. It allows
Internet approach likewise equally data trucking service. The
satellite network interfaces with the ground Internet base thru
GSs on the world [19]. Them perhaps the entirely approach
technique since a few users (for example. user A) while no
other communication technique comprises acquirable, or a
backing connection likewise an existing terrestrial Approach
network (for example. user B). Even so, the bent-pipe
architecture’s lack of Address communication courses in
distance consequences in low spectrum efficiency and
tenacious response time. OBP and ISLs perhaps accustomed
help build a network in the sky (Figure: 5). this architecture
comprises Once again a combination entree and backbone
network [20]. Teledesic comprises unrivalled such system
employing a configuration of 288 LEO satellites with ISLs
[21]. The rich connectivity in distance will allow additional
Traceableness merely besides add composite routing comes
forth, which leave comprise talked about afterwards.
Figure 5: OPB and ISL Architecture
In the two aforesaid universal architectures, user terminals
is adopted to comprise interactional, which implies they could
forthwith broadcast data up to the satellite and receive data
from the satellite. Though fast advances in satellite technology
bear engendered humble user terminals, such as ultra-humble
aperture terminals (USAT) with 60 cm antennas, the
interactional terminal comprises [22]. Ease costly and hence
foils direct-to-home Execution. Educated aside Internet
dealings asymmetry where substantially further data comprises
broadcast from the server to the conclusion user than in the
Contrary centering (for instance., Web browse), there's a
Course to bid Internet admittance thru channelize broadcast
satellites (DBSs) used for television broadcasting [23]. All
domestic bears a receive-only satellite dish to Compile data
ceded successful the high-velocity satellite Beam channel. The
inverse route to the server Comprises allowed for along a
terrestrial link (Figure: 6 below). Hughes’s Direct PC system is
an instance [24]. Called for to fill up consumption of the wide
bandwidth of satellite broadcast links, DBS is also drew out
through employing the receive-only terminals equally
gateways to interlink remote networks [25].
Figure 6: Internet Access via DBS
VI. CONCLUSION
An arising amount of homes at present hold satellite
internet service. Traditionally, much servicing is catered
specifically using low altitude Earth orbit satellites.
Geostationary satellites is now and again exploited to provide
higher data speed. Nevertheless, the primary drawback of such
satellites is the inability of their signals to arrive at some polar
parts of the Earth. Such communication never operates without
jerks. Signal response time, the delay between looking for data
and obtaining a reception, is one of such jerks. An
Electromagnetic wave moves at the light speed. These are the
theoretical utmost speed bounds of such signals. Due to the
universal colossal space between the probes and the goal of the
signals upon the Earth's surface, a few limited time lapses prior
to the signal arrival at its terminus. Adding up the time held the
signal to journey from the transmitter to the satellite, to the
time taken as the signal to allow the satellite to the receiver, the
aggregate of both times is substantial. This is what finally
results to signal latent period. Geostationary probes are
arranged in more adenoidal orbits. They are undesirable
because of insufficient latent period communications. One
formula by extenuating this great response time brings about is
through using abject earth orbit probes. Communication
through such way is adversely involved along raindrops and
moisture upon the atmosphere. This brings about of such
disturbance are graver in the broader frequency sets. Bigger
dishes may represent to extenuate these consequences. In spite
of the disturbance appropriate to downfall, they could even
catch a lot signals. An altogether clean line of sight between
the dish and the probe makes up needed. Flora from time to
time blocks off the signal course. At lower frequencies that
advance the radio receiver frequency, there's more adept
incursion of the signal through with obstructions. Nonetheless,
well-nigh internet communication comes about at high
frequencies and a clean line of vision between the probe and
the dish essential represent accomplished. There's an extensive
array of internet service clients cropping from human users at
domestic to bigger business sector* employed from bigger
personalized computing machine. Domestic users generally
contribution bandwidth capacity from a brought about satellite
depending upon the measure of bandwidth they've bought. For
each one user tends a bandwidth tolerance that they can't
outmatch. Domestic users may come near such services
engaging movable modems. Almost laptops and PCs bear
Ethernet and worldwide serial bus ports that could be
accustomed connect modems. Additional alternative manner
since domestic users to admittance this services is along apply
of satellite phones. Earlier whatsoever device is accustomed
offer satellite internet approach service in that respect is a few
system computer hardware and software specs them ought to
cope with. The hardware essential at the absolute minimum
allow for interfaces to other networks. The software essential
cause filtering, laying in, and exposing capacities from a
distant position. Across the succeeding few years, satellite
internet service bequeath continually span the communication
breach. Them testament allow for a contact between populate
wide apart through length. Yet, such approach to the internet
confronts several challenges. In the future day, troubles such
equally signal response time bequeath be hopefully brought
down.
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